Seldom does one meet an individual, sight unseen, only to discover that the person not only provides a most valuable service, but becomes a friend in the process!

We have been living in Costa Rica for three years. We have refrained from buying a car (1) because of the intracasies of the process, (2) because of the issues trying to get to sellers (logistics) and (3) because of our own lack of understanding about just how the car buying process works down here.

So, we contacted Russ. When we arrived in country this time, Russ picked us up at our hotel, hustled us around San Jose (worth the price if for no other reason), showed us cars that met our criteria and assisted us with the final negotiations. All, while being attentive to our anxieties and accurate with the information he provided.

In just 36 hours we had found a car, negotiated a deal and consummated the deal, including all legal fees and insurance. We drove the car to our home in Ojochal on day 2.

Result: We are very pleased with our purchase and look forward to staying in contact with Russ in the future.

We wanted to let you know we have arrived safely back to El Castillo. It was such a plus to have you on board. We truly could not have done it without you. Let alone completing our purchase within just a few hours. We will be recommending your services to anyone needing to purchase a vehicle in CR.

Here’s a pic of the awesome tank in front of Nepenthe B&B here in El Castillo. The restaurant build site is just beside. Hope you two can come for a dinner on us when we open later this year.

]]>http://wheelscr.com/2013/a-classic-land-cruiser-by-the-lake/feed/0Conversion of Vehicles to LPG in Costa Ricahttp://wheelscr.com/2013/conversion-of-vehicles-to-lpg-in-costa-rica/
http://wheelscr.com/2013/conversion-of-vehicles-to-lpg-in-costa-rica/#commentsSun, 23 Jun 2013 18:19:10 +0000http://wheelscr.com/?p=539Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as propane, is less contaminating to the environment than diesel or gasoline. Fuel economy is similar to a gasoline engine. Modern conversion kits offer sophisticated technology that can improve fuel efficiency and performance in older engines.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from LPG are significantly less, so the conversion of any vehicle to LPG is a contribution to the environment and the reduction of global warming. Cleaner burning LPG can also reduce unwanted deposits inside the engine, leading to a longer useful life and lower maintenance costs.

In Costa Rica, LPG costs from 40% to 50% less than gasoline. The cost of the conversion can be quickly recovered, since fuel efficiency is equal or better, converting from gasoline to LPG will mean a $25 to $50 savings on each tank of gas.

How Does It Work?

The most common conversion is to make the vehicle bi-fuel. This means that a second fuel tank is installed in the trunk of the car, or in the cargo area of SUVs. There are different shapes and sizes of tanks for specific types of vehicles.

In addition, a secondary fuel injection system is installed in the engine compartment. This system consist of fuel lines, a computer chip, injection unit and filter. Once the installation is performed, the vehicle may use either gasoline or LPG. With modern, computerized kits, the correct fuel is selected automatically.

Who Does The Conversion?

Ecomotors is a subsidiary of GRUPO ZETA, a holding company which has operated in Central America since 1976 — particularly in the area of real estate development.

Ecomotors has specialized shops and certified mechanics that will install the LPG conversion kit. Ecomotors uses equipment manufactured by Landi Renzo, an Italian firm. LPG powered vehicles are much more common in Europe than in the US, and Landi Renzo that works with car makers around the world to provide equipment for LPG powered vehicles.

Ecomotors offers a two year guarantee on the installation, equipment and parts. The equipment is the latest technology, and your vehicle will not lose power. The equipment meets European safety standards, specifically E/ECE/324 and E/ECE/TRANS/505.

The installation takes a few hours, it can be performed at Ecomotors’ branches in the Central Valley, or an appointment can be made to install the LPG system at your home anywhere in Costa Rica.

The price of the kit varies according to how many cylinders your vehicle has. For a 4 cylinder vehicle the investment is $1500, $1800 for 6 cylinder vehicles and $2000 for 8 cylinders.

Since 2006, we here at WheelsCR.com have helped their clients purchase reliable used cars from reputable dealers in Costa Rica. If you’re reading this, you probably know that vehicles are a major investment here. The import duties run from 30% for new cars, to 85% for cars that are more than 6 years old. No vehicles are manufactured here, so transportation and customs brokerage fees are always an additional cost.

Given the high price, the majority of the WheelsCR.com clients settle for older vehicles in the $5000 to $15,000 range. Some clients go for newer SUVs that will cost from $20,000 to $35,000.

Depending on your specific budget, and which car you would like to purchase, you may wish to consider a new vehicle from one of the local dealers, which has advantages:

You are getting a brand new vehicle under warranty (3 years and 100,000 kilometers is normal)

You don’t worry about the cars precedence, previous maintenance or other issues.

You don’t worry about problems that aren’t apparent at the time of purchase but could crop up later.

Because of tax structure, depreciation isn’t as much of an issue as in the US, where driving a car off the lot reduces it’s value by 20%. New cars here pay 20% less import duty than used cars, so it’s almost a wash. Meaning that as the new car’s value depreciates over the years, the used cars imported here will be paying more taxes – so the new car maintains its market value.

There are some disadvantages to buying at a dealer:

Some major brands don’t have good dealers here. You can end up with a car that has hard to find parts and if you need to sell the vehicle suddenly for some reason you could end up losing a lot of money on the deal.

The same goes for mechanical repairs. As long as the vehicle is under warranty at the dealer, you have no problem, what if the dealer’s mechanics are the only ones in the whole country who know how to fix the vehicle? (e.g. Alfa Romeo) You’ll be stuck paying dealer prices for mechanical work the whole time you own the car.

Another case is the dealer not honoring the warranty. A person I know of had this experience: “… The SUV had no power on hills, but the dealer always said there was nothing wrong. Then I went to the coast (Tamarindo, Samara) with clients and I had to tow it back. They gave me an appointment for 2 weeks later. I told them I depended on my car to make my living, that I had sent it in 5 times for the same reason and that now it lost ALL power. I gave it to my own mechanic, it was the diesel injection pump and they didn’t have it in stock. They had to bring it in which took 4 months and they didn’t honor the warranty because it was my mechanic who pulled it apart. The joke cost me $5K and the car didn’t even have 2,000 km on it. It’s the worst car I ever had in my life and the worst treatment I’ve had from ANY dealership ever.”

You are required to take the car in for maintenance every 5000 kilometers. Every 10,000 kilometers is a major check up, which takes longer and costs more. The minor check up is an oil and filter change and a scan. This costs from $100 to $200 and more at some dealers. It takes a half or full day to complete and there are no loaner cars. The major check up is more detailed, and costs $250 and more at the dealers. It takes from 1 to 3 days to complete, and again there are no loaner cars.

What New Car Brand to Buy?

This will vary completely according to your tastes, budget and car usage. In general:

Fuel is expensive in Costa Rica, any time you can go diesel or a smaller engine it will pay off in the long run.

If you live in a rural area keep in mind the roads, not all new cars have a suspension that will handle gravel and potholes well. Many new cars now feature low profile tires, which will come off more easily in these situations as well.

Many dealers have branches outside of San Jose, if you buy in San Jose but are traveling or end up moving to another area it could be to your advantage to know that warranty service is provided in other areas.

Safety Features and Local Market Cars Keep in mind that not all brands sell the exact same models in all countries. When you are doing your research on-line in English, what you see on a US web page – for example – may not be what you would be buying here. Security features, like ABS brakes and air bags are items that are often left out on cars sold here, in addition to conveniences like power windows or A/C. Emissions and many other items in the structure and components that could affect safety or performance could also be different. *

Conversely, sometimes you will find car models that are specifically made for the Costa Rican market. Toyota puts out a “CORaxi” here, marketed to taxi cab drivers here. It features a beefed up suspension and diesel engine not available in the standard Corolla. Suzuki had an IGNIS sedan some years ago that was a ladder style frame (normally used in trucks) and AWD, advertised as only available through the dealer here in Costa Rica.

* Note:Just to satisfy my curiosity, I looked up Chevrolet Spark reviews online and also downloaded a brochure for the Chevrolet Spark Lite marketed here, versus the 2013 Spark now available in the US. These are both the lowest end versions.

So the point is that you have to compare apples to apples, as well as pricing in order make sure you are actually getting what you THINK you are getting. The Spark Go LS model available here was more similar in body style and features to the US version, but would also be more expensive. Also check through the safety features carefully!

Bickering at the Dealer

Buying a new car in Costa Rica is a completely different experience than in the US. At many dealerships you almost have to horse collar tackle a salesman to get their attention. You can’t just waltz in and actually test drive a car, you have to make an appointment! As for a coffee and they will point you the right direction for the vending machine, you’d better hope you have some coins on you!

Other dealers are more organized and better, but the really big difference is that sales people here will only earn $150 to $200 on most cars, in addition to a very low base salary. While you would think that would maybe motivate them to sell more, to earn more, it often translates to a lackadaisical attitude.

The dealers also don’t sell a high volume compared to counterparts in the US. Fierce competition from used car dealers and the fact that new cars are completely out of reach of the vast majority of Costa Ricans, combined with the small population, make for a small market.

So the dealers seem to be content with selling a certain number of units per year, at a certain percentage of the profit and don’t go in for all the tricks of the trade that you encounter in US dealerships, for example. You will go into the dealership and get a price, generally which would be the price for financing.

Interest rates are high here, so most foreign residents would not go through the gruelling process to begin with. But if you did, you would find the dealership works with local banks and will not be able to help you streamline the loan process. Assuming you are paying cash, you might expect to negotiate a discount, but that isn’t the case.

In other words, you won’t find that the dealer seems willing to take a few thousand off the price in order to make a cash sale or to meet an end of the month quota deadline. On the other hand, they won’t come in with surprise fees, extended maintenance contracts, or other gimmicks. The price you are quoted in the beginning is basically the price you will end up paying.

The quoted price will normally included all legal fees and taxes too. But of course you have to be clear on that matter.

Ordering the Car – Payment and Delivery

If you are here in Costa Rica and want to get a new car, the normal procedure is that you can reserve a car immediately with as little as $1000. You get to pick your color and options, settle on a price and normally will have a car that is located in a customs warehouse. Most dealers will work this way, since they have to pay taxes to get cars out of customs.

The $1000 earnest money payment will give you some time to get your money for the payment in order and make any other preparations. The next step is to provide about 25% of the purchase price to the dealer, which will free the car you reserved from customs and get it to the dealership for preparation. This takes about 2 weeks, but the sales person will give you a date where you can pick up your car.

The date of the delivery you pay the remaining 75%, and sign the paperwork to take ownership of the vehicle once the vehicle has passed your inspection. You will normally get AGV tags at this point, which allow you to drive the car while the real plates come through.

These percentages and procedures could vary at different dealerships and could also be adjustable to suit your preferences. You may wish to pay 100% in advance and pick up your car in one shot with the permanent plates and everything.

New car dealers can take a certified bank check, cash, a SINPE transfer from a Costa Rican bank, an international wire transfer, and also debit or credit cards. They will not charge extra for credit card payment, but will not typically take

Taking Delivery and Working with the Dealer – A Personal Experience

In December of 2012 we had a client who decided to purchase a new car at a local dealer. In the preliminary consultation we settled on a specific brand and model. We negotiated the price and paid 25% to reserve the car. This particular dealer sells quite a bit, and didn’t have many models in stock and available.

However, we were working in advance. The objective was for the client to fly into Costa Rica, take delivery on the vehicle and head out to their new home in Guanacaste to settle in. In September we paid the 25% advance payment to reserve the vehicle. The remaining 75% was to be paid on the delivery date.

In the end the objective was achieved. The information received from the dealership was in general accurate. There was an error as far as the color of the vehicle reserved, but we caught this in time. There was also a mis-communication as to the interior colors, it turns out this model comes in only one color, which was not suitable to the client. This problem was solved by purchasing seat covers through a supplier the dealer recommended. This cost was paid by the client.

The process of paying for the vehicle, reviewing the documents, inspecting the vehicle and payment was very smooth. The whole delivery took about 2 hours, including insuring the vehicle with the INS agent.

I would say that communication from and with the salesman was not easy. Questions asked by email, phone message or text message went unanswered. Calls to the dealer and cell phone were also generally unanswered by the agent – who was always “busy”. Patience, creativity and insistence eventually allowed me to get all the information in time, but not easily accomplished.

Conclusion and Summary

Just a note, most of our clients need SUVs with 4×4, because they will be travelling Costa Rica or live in outlying areas. The popular SUVs with the level of durability needed start at about $40,000 new at the dealers. In the case of a Mitsubishi Montero Sport, you can get a very clean 5 to 10 year old gasoline engine model for under $15,000. So for most people the numbers don’t add up.

However, if you look at it as a capital investment, or if you can use a cheaper sedan, then the purchase at a new car dealer is feasible. As a capital investment, you are banking on the fact that the maintenance costs will be lower, you will save the hassles of having to find a local mechanic and suffer mechanical breakdowns on the road, and in the end the vehicle won’t suffer the kind of depreciation you see in the US.

I had a positive experience that I wanted to share with anyone who might be seeking a similar type of service.Many months ago, I ran across an ad in the ARCR (Association of Residents in Costa Rica) magazine “El Residente” which advertised the services of Mr. Russell Martin. Mr. Martin, hailing from Texas/Nebraska, aids expatriates and others in the search for reliable used cars in Costa Rica. Since I recently purchased a small home near La Fortuna, in the Lake Arenal area, I knew that, for me, the next step was to buy a car, so I clipped the ad out and placed it within a folder in one of my desk drawers.

I had taken the leap to relocate to Costa Rica with the hope of easing the financial burden of my retirement. Buying a home in a foreign country is scary enough so I was careful to utilize a well recommended lawyer and to work through a competent real estate professional, which, in Costa Rica, can be an oxymoron. I feel strongly that those decisions were a vital factor in my acquiring a very nice property at a fair price without any hassles or irregularities.

So when I learned that acquiring a reliable car can turn out to be more difficult than purchasing a home, I wanted all the help I could get. Eventually, I contacted Mr. Martin via e-mail and we began a long and frequent communication as to what might be best for me, given my budget and where I chose to live. It wasn’t long before we were on a first name basis and I developed the assurance that Russell knew what he was doing. During these communications, I was impressed by Russell’s knowledge of autos, the clarity of his explanations, and the general thoroughness of his procedures.

I have no doubt that he can help anyone get the best value for their money in the Costa Rican market. He works only with proven and trustworthy dealers.

I finally decided that I would prefer to buy a new car and asked for his help in shopping the market and completing a deal. We began a new dialogue until we arrived at a game plan. Russell’s patience, his knowledge and his fluency in Spanish guided me through an unimaginable labyrinth and ended in total success. Although I suppose
there is no guarantee, I believe that his fee easily saved me money in the end. But even if it did not, given the frequent trips he made to the dealership, the time and the energy he put into the process, he saved me a ton of time and aggravation.

If you want your best chance to find a reliable used car or to help negotiate the process of purchasing a new car, I think that Russell Martin is a great asset to have on your side.

The Toyota RAV4 and 4runner are classic SUVs for Costa Rica and residents here. Many current residents had their first experience driving in Costa Rica in a RAV4 rental. The RAV4 is a smaller SUV, based on an automobile chassis. This gives it a much better ride and handling than many SUVs. At the same time it offers an excellent all-wheel drive feature, which will get you out of the majority of situations where you need traction but not that much power. The lighter body helps in these cases too. The RAV4 seats 5 adults fairly comfortably and has some room in the back for luggage or gear too.

The Toyota 4runner is a great multi-purpose 4 x 4. It has a good amount of cargo space in the back and will seat 5 adults comfortably. The 4 x 4 capability and ground clearance are superior to most SUVs, while the classic styling looks good in the city and exploring on the back roads. The chassis will handle up to 33×10.5 tires without modification, which improves the ground clearance and is good for those who generally travel on bad roads.

Toyota RAV4 History / Features

The RAV4 comes in two or four door versions and was introduced in 1996. They are available in gasoline engines, and commonly available with a manual or an automatic transmission. The RAV4 can be all wheel drive, or just 2 wheel drive. Through 1998 the vehicle is characterized by a two tone paint scheme, with the lower plastic molding being generally black, sometimes gray. In 1999 the design was changed a little bit stylistically, the single tone color scheme is available and the two tones vary quite a bit.

4 door Toyota RAV4 1996-2000 version

The motor through 2000 remains similar, generally being a 4 cylinder, 2 liter gasoline engine. In all RAV4 year models the spare tire hangs on the back door. This is convenient for changing tires, and also saves interior space, or allows the vehicle to sit lower to the ground. The 1996 through 2000 RAV4 are currently costing between $8000 and $13,000, depending on the extras and year model. With the 2 door version being cheaper than that in any given year model.

In 2001 the RAV4 underwent more than cosmetic changes. The body was restyled, the plastic side moldings reduced drastically, the vehicle is wider, and the motor got an improved injection system and increased horsepower. There is a little bit more interior room, with out sacrificing fuel economy. 1999 and 2000 RAV4s are a good “more bang for your buck” option, as the price increases quite a bit for 2001 and newer models due to the change in design. The series runs through 2005 and in later year models a 2400cc engine becomes available. These models currently run in the $14,000 to $18,000 range depending on extras and year model.

The 2006 RAV4 got a little bit bigger and was improved again, generally the engine is a 2400cc. The price for these models is also bigger, seldom running less than $20,000 in 2012 for the 2006 and newer year models.

Toyota 4runner History / Features

Automatic transmission, Toyota 4runner 1999 dash

In Costa Rica these vehicles are fantastic multi-purpose 4 x 4 vehicles. If you live on a farm or are building, you will appreciate the generous cargo space, and the fold down rear seats. If you commonly travel on bad roads, the true 4 x 4 and high ground clearance will get you through most situations you will encounter.

The standard 4runner engine is a gasoline 3000cc motor, they come in automatic or manual transmission. For those who like the 4runner but want better economy, you can look for the gasoline 4 cylinder version or the diesel engine 4runner, both in a manual transmission and very rare in automatic. In the more recent model years a 4000cc v8 is sometimes found.

The 4runner was introduced in 1988, however this SUV isn’t up to the same standard as later models, and is commonly called a Pre-Runner. Basically Toyota took the standard pick up and removed the rear partition, as well as adding a 2nd row of seats. So you have a two door pick up that seats 4 or 5 people.

In 1990 the concept was refined, and the instant classic 4runner style would remain virtually unchanged for over a decade, through 2003. The 4 runner has 4 doors and a narrower body that larger Toyota SUVs like the Prado. But 5 adults may be seated comfortably. Some very rare 4runners have a 3rd row of seating, the 2 seats fold down to keep the cargo room in back intact. The body is still built over a truck chassis, which gives it the height and strength to handle bad road conditions. An early 1990s 4runner will start at about $7000. If you see one advertised for less, it is most likely coming from a rural or beach area, and / or is not it good condition. There is a non 4 x 4 version and these are less expensive, and older automatics can sometimes be picked on offer. A 1996 – 2001 4runner will run from $10,000 to $15,000 and more. Depending on options, year model, and whether it is gasoline or diesel and automatic or standard transmission.

Toyota 4runner 1999 side view, not factory rims.

2003 and beyond … The 4runner was updated and upgraded in 2004, with some transition “new look” 2003 models available. Those sold in Costa Rica were overwhelmingly turbo diesel intercooler, there are some gasoline versions that have 4000cc 8 cylinder engines. The interior and exterior styling was updated and many other improvements were made. $20,000 to $30,000 and beyond… Starting in 2006 the Toyota Fortuner replaced the 4runner in Costa Rica, so models beyond 2005 are rare and you would have to confirm parts being available on these vehicles.

The 4runner has a good amount of power, so is adaptable to many needs. If you want to lift it and put big tires on it, the loss of power won’t be very noticeable, especially off the highway. If you have to haul things or tow something, there is plenty of oomph for most purposes. In bad road conditions a lack of power won’t be an obstacle to getting out of the mess.

Toyota 4runner / RAV4 Parts and Repairs

These SUVs are hugely popular in Costa Rica. Purdy Motors is historically one of the best dealers, if not the best. Parts are readily available nationwide and mechanics know them very well. Parts are a good value, being more expensive than some brands, but higher quality. And being less expensive than many other brands, and also higher quality!

Toyota 4runner RAV4 Summary

Toyota RAV4 late 1990s motor

Pricing: Toyota is Toyota in Costa Rica. The brand has a reputation for value, reliability, performance, and quality that is unmatched here. This is reflected in the new car market, and in the used car market as well. There are comparable brands, like Mitsubishi, that are less expensive to buy. However, the Toyota will also retain the high value over time, so the premium you put in in the beginning will maintain itself upon resale.

Pros: If you are looking for absolute performance, reliability and value, the Toyota 4runner is a great choice. The 4 x 4 capability is among the best, the parts are top quality and good value. You have ample cargo and passenger room, and the vehicle is adaptable for many uses.

The RAV4 is an excellent choice, but has competition in the Honda CRV and Suzuki Sidekick, the better choice in your case may depend on your usage and your area. If you don’t need true 4×4, the AWD RAV4 is very capable and will perform well if you travel around Costa Rica. It is comfortable to drive in town and handles well on the highway.

Cons: The main drawback goes for Toyota is the entry price. If you don’t have much room in your budget, or can’t get your head around paying the prices in Costa Rica that Toyota commands, then you will be better off considering other brands.

We talk about SUVs all the time, but if you sit down and think about the individual terms, the Suzuki Sidekick really comes close to being the ideal SUV — Sport Utility Vehicle.

Sport – Starting with the Samurai, and continuing with the original Sidekicks, the Suzuki 4 x 4 is convertible. How much sportier can you get? The colors are also fun and perfect for the tropics.

Utility – Utility means useful. The convertible top allows you to literally fit almost anything in the cargo area if the need arises, no matter how awkward or bulky. In normal day to day use, all of the versions have folding rear seats, allowing for 2 passengers and cargo / gear / groceries. Some versions have split bench seats, which means you can have 3 passengers and some gear — or a cooler! As well, the 4 x 4 capability is excellent, the bare bones construction and short wheel base means that you can get almost anywhere, and you aren’t worrying about damage you might be doing to some fancy electronics or delicate emissions control system.

Vehicle – being something that gets you from place to place. Aside from having 4 wheels and seats, the Suzuki Sidekick, Suzuki Samurai, Geo Tracker and Chevrolet Tracker are all dependable vehicles with good quality parts, that are also available nationwide. They’ll get you around when you first buy one, but you also can depend on being able to keep them going with a minimum of fuss. The Samurai is truly bare bones and you don’t have much that can go wrong there. Think of the classic VW Bug. The Sidekick is a step above and a bit more complex, but still fairly simple in most facets through the mid 1990s versions.

Suzuki Samurai / Sidekick History (aka Geo / Chevrolet Tracker)

The Suzuki Samurai was introduced in 1986 and has lines reminiscent of the WWII Jeep Willys. These were initially very popular in the US, but the rough ride and low powered engine by US standards meant that the attraction faded fairly fast. But for Costa Rica the SUV is a very viable option. And the $3000 and $4000 average price range is attractive for those on a shoe string budget.

The 4 door version offers more room and very good 4 x 4 capability

Starting in 1989 Suzuki introduced the Sidekick. It has more modern styling than the Samurai, the convertible flip top over the front seats is a huge improvement, the system for removing the top was also improved considerably. The interior was also upgraded, in addition to having a beefier chassis and suspension. The engine is also larger and more powerful, but since the vehicle is heavier there isn’t a lot of difference in performance.

In 1991 the 4 door hardtop version was introduced. Through the 1990s the Suzuki Sidekick is a sold choice in both versions. The car was also produced in Canada and sold in the US as the Geo Tracker. In the late 1990s the 4 door Sidekick Sport was sold, these have a more modern styling and upgrades to the engine and chassis.

Suzuki Samurai / Sidekick Features

In Costa Rica these vehicles are fantastic on the beach. The convertible top can be removed, or left off even. They get around beautifully on the sand, and surfers will be able to reach nearly any break. In general they are tough, reliable vehicles, with outstanding 4 x 4 capability. The 2 door versions have a short wheel base for getting over most obstacles on most roads. The relatively light weight means that they don’t get bogged down in mud either, and also means that the small engine and low horsepower are still adequate for most situations.

The cars are also good for city driving, being economical to operate and also commonly available in automatic transmission (Sidekick / Tracker), which is nice if you spend a lot of time in traffic. The early Samurai and Sidekick are very bare bones, often without A/C and no electronic gadgetry either. Power steering is standard though! In later years they are available with power windows and mirrors, and also cold A/C. In the mid 1990s Suzuki improved the horsepower while only slightly increasing the engine size. They also introduced some non- 4 x 4 versions, so you may have to be careful about seeing one of those when comparing prices.

Suzuki Samurai / Sidekick — Geo / Chevrolet Tracker Parts and Repairs

This is the Geo Tracker / Suzuki Sidekick 2 door model from the early years. The convertible top has been replaced with a fiberglass roof, normally the top is still removable.

These SUVs are extremely popular in Costa Rica. Parts are readily available nationwide and mechanics know them very well. The Samurai is one of the most basic vehicles on the market, no specialized tools or electronics are present or needed for repairs. The Sidekick / Tracker is more complicated, but no trouble for any reputable mechanic. Parts are not expensive.

Suzuki Samurai / Sidekick — Geo / Chevrolet Tracker Summary

Pros: If you are looking for the absolutely most inexpensive SUV on the market, the Suzuki Samurai is perfect. You will be able to buy a vehicle with as little as $3000, maybe $4000 including all fees and for those in better condition. If you want to spend a little more and need extreme 4 x 4 capability, you can purchase Samurais with after-market equipment like lift kits and winches. The Samurai has the minimum of moving parts, so there isn’t much that will even break down. Just keep the oil and filters fresh and you will probably rarely even visit the mechanic.

Suzuki offers a high quality vehicle, so the more complicated Sidekick and Tracker are not likely to break down often either. Once you do repair something, you will get your money’s worth. In all cases the 4 x 4 is outstanding, with some models even having a limited slip differential. This means that even if one tire is spinning, the others will have traction and you can keep going. Many high end SUVs don’t have this capability. All of the 4 x 4 models have true 4 x 4, not just all wheel drive, so they will get through many heavy duty situations that are commonly found due to the tropical climate and road conditions in Costa Rica.

Cons: The main drawback goes hand-in-hand with the main advantage, simplicity and economy which are virtues, are also disadvantages. No electric windows in many cases, the Samurai does not have power steering. The short wheel base is a big advantage in off road situations, but in city and high way driving the ride tends to be bouncy. This is a big problem with the Samurai, and not as much with the Sidekick / Tracker. The 4 door versions are much better as well, particularly in later year models.

The Suzuki Sidekick aka Geo Tracker interior is basic. The front seats are fairly room and comfortable. The back seats can be, particularly the LSI Sidekick version.

Summary: All in all this is a solid choice. The low end offers great economy and a car that is easy to buy and sell if need be. It will get you around. The higher end 4 door models run from $7000 to $10,000 and offer very good all around utility: seating for 5 adults plus cargo room, they may be fitted for luggage racks if interior space isn’t sufficient. If you are generally single or a couple, you will find these excellent day to day vehicles, that will be economical to operate and maintain.

]]>http://wheelscr.com/2012/suzuki-sidekick-samurai-costa-rica-geo-tracker/feed/0Introducing Klympro Car Care Productshttp://wheelscr.com/2012/introducing-klympro-car-care-products/
http://wheelscr.com/2012/introducing-klympro-car-care-products/#commentsMon, 13 Aug 2012 17:09:16 +0000http://wheelscr.com/?p=342If you live in Costa Rica and own a car, you know how harsh the conditions are here. And how expensive cars are too! Whether you live on the beach, in the mountains or on a farm, your vehicle will be exposed to sun, rain, dust, dirt and road grime. Keeping your car clean is difficult, and it is important to protect your investment. Many of the products sold here were inferior quality, and the good ones were very expensive.

But now that has changed, Klympro products were introduced for sale in Costa Rica in 2012. These products are designed and formulated in the US, but not sold at retail outlets there. They are only sold wholesale to new car factories, new car dealers, car washes and used car dealers.

However, Distribuidor Clean Pro, SA has secured an exclusive right to market these products under their brand name Klympro in Costa Rica. The company’s vision is to offer these professional quality products at a reasonable price to the local market. Most products are packaged in a 400ml presentation, and prices range from 3000 colones to 4500 colones.

All of the Klympro car care products are specially formulated to protect and beautify your vehicle, and will stand up to Costa Rica’s harsh tropical climate. Most of these products will build up a protective layer over time with repeated use, providing even greater protection.

Here at WheelsCR.com we will be providing nationwide delivery of the Klympro products to the English speaking residents of Costa Rica. You can purchase using your credit card via PayPal, or using a bank deposit in our Banco Nacional account. This can be done online via the Banco Nacional web site, or from any bank in Costa Rica using the national electronic transfer of funds – SINPE. It may done in person at any bank branch too.

Thank you for providing me with incredible service in helping me find a car. My requirements on car size was strict due to my small garage, yet you managed to provide me with many choices to inspect.

I appreciate that you scheduled my day very efficiently, and I was able to choose one on the first afternoon. I had no knowledge that the paperwork would be so involved, yet you managed to get the legal lawyer and have me on my way in less than one hour.

In addition, you truly went above and beyond in helping me locate a roof rack afterwards. I would certainly recommend your services, especially after discovering how involved it would have been for me, to attempt it myself.

First of all, keep in mind that the property title is not a vital document in Costa Rica. Vehicle ownership must be transferred with the help of a lawyer / notary, and regardless of any additional paperwork the information in the National Registry is what matters.

There isn’t a case where you are asked to produce a property title to prove ownership. In a traffic stop, for example, you must present your current “marchamo” and the RTV technical inspection report, plus your driver’s license.

That said, most of our clients come from the US and are very concerned with getting the registration paper in their hands. Conversely, many attorneys are very lackadaisical about following through with this. IF you are in an outlying area, or have a hard time getting the lawyer to follow through, then you may wish to go to the National Registry and get a replacement or duplicate title. Registry offices are located throughout the country and it may be easier — and even less expensive to get a title there.

Here is the procedure (documented on the National Registry web site)

Procedure for Replacement of Vehicle Property Title

The solicitud must be made by the proprietor of the vehicle in person at the Registry office and must meet the following requirements:

Complete the form and present valid identification, WHICH MUST MATCH THE INFORMATION IN THE REGISTRY. If the owner’s current ID is not the same as that shown in registry records, then the owner must present a publicly sworn statement (DECLARACION JURADA EN ESCRITURA PUBLICA), indicating that the the two documents identify the same person. If the person cannot appear in person, the form may be presented signed and with a notary’s seal that authenticates the signature, as well as with the official stamps corresponding to the authentication.

If the vehicle is owned by a corporation, then the registry report of a corporation must be presented (called a personería jurídica). The report must be less than two months old.

For applications in the name of state owned vehicles, diplomatic vehicles or state univerisity vehicles, the application must be presented on the letterhead of the institution and the seal of the corresponding department, and the registry report of a corporation must be presented (called a personería jurídica).

If the applicant is acting under a special power of attorney, then they must present the original testimony (ESCRITURA PÚBLICA) of that power of attorney.

If the vehicle has a pending sales transaction noted in the registry, then the replacement property title may not be issued. The registration of the pending sale must be completed first and a new title will be issued.